A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        


policy MNN Joins Nonprofit Colleagues in Opposing PILOTs Legislation
Earlier today, MNN joined our colleagues from across the sector in testifying before the Joint Committee on Revenue  on proposed legislation which would be harmful and burdensome to nonprofits across the Commonwealth. Joining MNN on the panel was the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, The Trustees of Reservations, and the Massachusetts Council of Churches. At the hearing, MNN CEO Jim Klocke testified in opposition to 3 bills, all of which relate to payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) or the right of first refusal. MNN opposed these proposals as they would make the operations of and service delivery by nonprofits more difficult and would do so at a time when nonprofits are facing new fiscal challenges at the state and federal level. To read MNN's full testimony before the committee, click here.
NPAD172017 Nonprofit Awareness Day: Celebrating the Nonprofit Organizations and Individuals Transforming Communities Every Day 
2017 Nonprofit Excellence Award Winners Photography by Leise Jones

On June 5, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, and Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, joined hundreds of nonprofit and business leaders from across Massachusetts at the State House to celebrate MNN's Nonprofit Awareness Day, presented by Citizens Bank.
 
In his remarks, Senate President Stan Rosenberg spoke about Massachusetts' #1 ranking among all 50 states by U.S. News & World Report, and the role that nonprofits played in the ranking factors. Secretary Jay Ash spoke about his excitement in participating in this year's program, sharing stories about how nonprofits impacted his childhood and made him a better city manager in Chelsea. And House Speaker Robert DeLeo spoke about the invaluable contributions the nonprofit sector has made to Massachusetts, stressing the importance of continued partnerships between the nonprofit sector and state leaders.

After the remarks from state leaders and a welcome from presenting sponsor Citizens Bank, Nonprofit Excellence Awards were presented to four organizations and two professionals exemplifying the innovative and effective work done by nonprofits across Massachusetts. The winners each shared impactful stories about their work and what their respective organizations have been able to accomplish. 

Read the full announcement here and see additional photos here.

chairMNN Announces New Board Chair
During last week's Nonprofit Awareness Day celebration, MNN announced that Jim Ayres has been elected as the next Chair of the Network's Board of Directors. Ayres will succeed David Shapiro, CEO of Mentor: The National Mentoring Partnership, who has chaired the MNN board since 2011.
 
"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to guide this important and dynamic organization," Ayres said. "I look forward to working with nonprofit, business, and government leaders across the state to support the sector and, ultimately, help build a better Commonwealth."
 
"We are thrilled to have Jim Ayres chairing our board as MNN enters its second decade," said Jim Klocke, MNN's CEO. "Jim has been a valuable member of our board for the last three years, and we cannot wait to work more closely with him."
 
MNN is extremely thankful for all that David has done to support the organization, and the state's nonprofit sector, during his tenure as Chair. In recognition of this, MNN's Governance Committee has decided to appoint him as a Director Emeritus, with his term beginning in June.
 
Read the full announcement here.

sponsorSponsorship Open for MNN's Annual Conference
With another successful Nonprofit Awareness Day behind us, MNN is getting ready for our annual conference on  November 1. Save the date and join us for a day of learning and networking with nonprofit and business professionals from across the Commonwealth. General registration will open later this summer.

In the meantime, we are currently signing up exhibitors for this year's expo. As a reminder, sponsorship is only open to MNN affiliate and nonprofit members. Find out more about the sponsorship packages available, and sign up here. Tables sold out quickly last year, so be sure to reserve yours today! 

webinarsJune's Free Wednesday Webinars


Tomorrow join David Thompson, Vice President of Public Policy, and Tiffany Gourley, State Policy Counsel, at the  National Council of Nonprofits as they present on the Johnson amendment. This webinar will provide background on the law that protects 501(c)(3) organizations from demands for political endorsements and campaign contributions (known as the Johnson Amendment), address why most nonprofits consider nonpartisanship essential to advancing mission, review administration and legislative challenges, and identify how the issue relates to tax reform and federal spending priorities.



Join BerryDunn's business process improvement experts on  June 28 as they present a webinar tailored specifically to nonprofit leadership and finance professionals. Tina Bode and Lisa Trundy-Whitten will explain how to identify opportunities for improvement, where advances can be made, and what tools can help you reach your goals. Improve your processes and gain access to greater efficiency.
nonprofit411Nonprofit 411: 5 Lessons after 50 Years
By Pamela Civins, Executive Director, Boston Partners in Education

I've had the privilege of leading the nonprofit organization Boston Partners in Education for the last 11 years. When I joined the organization in 2006, we were in the midst of an identity crisis and needed to get back on track if we wanted to continue serving students in the Boston Public Schools. I decided the first thing I needed to do was listen. After consulting past Board and staff members of the organization, I came away with some valuable lessons that have helped us transform Boston Partners into the successful organization that it is today. Here are five lessons we have learned over our 50 years of supporting Boston's young people and engaging our community members. Read more.
QUICK LINKS 
Communications Associate, Barr Foundation
Salesforce Consultant, 501Partners
Executive Director, Cape Cod Young Professionals
Director of Development, Two Ten Footwear Foundation
Associate Director of Development, Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
Executive Director, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
Chief Communications Officer, Boston Community Capital
Director of Program Services, St. Francis House
Executive Director, Science Club for Girls
Family Partner for MA's Children Behavioral Health Initiative, Western Massachusetts Training Consortium

Meet the Funders: Be Bold!, Natick, June 19





New & Returning Affiliate Members 
*Special discount for MNN members

Amsden Consulting
Specializes in capacity building for small to mid-size nonprofits.

Cambridge Trust Company
Provides a full suite of products and services to both commercial and consumer clients as well as wealth management. *Complimentary investment review

Serves as executive consultants to nonprofit organizations, foundations, United Ways, and government agencies. *Complimentary 2-hour consultation and 10% discount on hourly rate and daily consulting rate

Provides insurance consulting, products, and services to regional nonprofits for 45 years.  *Discounted directors & officers liability, employment related practices liability, and crime coverage and fiduciary liability

Helps nonprofits build the capacity to move their strategic vision forward with a solid foundation and an army of support behind them.

Provides audit, accounting, tax, and advisory services that help our nonprofit clients achieve maximum efficiency.  *Complimentary initial consultation
 
Provides technology and services to help nonprofits stay compliant. *$25 discount on charitable solicitation registration filings.
 
New Kensington Group
Provides strategic development and nonprofit consulting services to help nonprofit leaders grow their organizations.
 
Offers digital and traditional marketing services.  *Complimentary initial phone discussion, number of pro bono/gratis hours when engaged for paid work, and free applying on your behalf to Google AdWords grant program
 
Collaborates with you to plot a clear path, share your vision, advocate for you to give you a voice, and educate you to be more self-sufficient. *Complimentary initial consultation up to 2 hours
 
Offers clients expert communications counsel and event planning capabilities from an experienced, collaborative team.
 
New & Returning 
Nonprofit Members

MNN's work is made possible by the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation & the Highland Street Foundation.
If you'd like to share a story or have a job, grant or other information that is important to Massachusetts nonprofits, contact  info@massnonprofitnet.org.